Creams

Creams are one of the most popular self varieties on the show bench. They have the potential to win BIS frequently and should be big and typy - a cream that fails in this respect will get nowhere. Many newcomers to mice are confused by the use of the word 'cream', when they find it difficult to tell the difference between a show cream and a white animal. When the two are compared directly there should be a distinct difference, although it is subtle next to 'cream' in other small animals such as hamsters, which can be described as a rich deep apricot.

Creams have changed genetically since the beginning of the fancy in the UK, when they were believed to be chinchillated reds, thus suffering from obesity problems. The current creams are a product of extreme dilution (ce) and do not have the same weight and health problems and are one of the largest and typiest varieties available. Stones (not a standardised colour) are also produced when breeding creams, and some does of this colour are occasionally retained to keep the creams from becoming too light. It is also often the case that PEWs are produced (some of which will genetically be PE cream). These are often shown as PEWs but can have a yellowy tinge, so caution must be exercised when choosing entries.

Above left: Cream buck bred by C McKeown Above right: BIS cream

Problems

Thin belly fur & line under

In general big pale selfs tend to suffer from thin belly fur and/or line under. The line can be described almost as a parting running up the middle of the belly, and is more common in does than bucks. Selection is the key to keep this from becoming prevalent in your mice; certainly do not use a buck with a poorly covered belly.

Creams being judged at the Bradford Championship 2010

Cream satin doe bred by C McKeown, BOA Satin